Stamkos returns, given captain "C"

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos is back playing after missing 45 games with a broken right shin.

Stamkos, out since getting hurt Nov. 11 at Boston, was in the lineup for Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Stamkos received a partial standing ovation during pregame introductions, when it was announced that the center was the new team captain. He is the 10th captain in franchise history, and replaces Marty St. Louis.

Right wing Ryan Callahan, acquired Wednesday by Tampa Bay from the New York Rangers for former team captain Martin St. Louis, made his Lightning debut.